An amplifier system is provided that switches between a linear mode of operation,
an envelope tracking mode of operation and a polar mode of operation. The amplifier
system switches between modes of operation based upon a characteristic of an input
signal relative to a first threshold level and a second threshold level. A mode
selector selects the operation mode by transmitting an amplitude modulated signal
plus a variable headroom voltage to a supply terminal of a power amplifier during
the envelope tracking mode, an amplitude modulated signal to the supply terminal
and phase modulated input signal during the polar mode and a substantially constant
amplitude signal to the supply terminal during the linear mode.